Raising Readers

Raising Readers is a program offered through the Blue Sky Region Community Network (BSRCN), which is a network of local libraries in the Blue Sky Region. The BSRCN is currently is currently focused on initiatives and local partnerships that benefit our communities.

One specific focus of the BSRCN has been developing programs for preschoolers and their parents that provide the foundations for lifelong reading habits and early literacy skills. This focus has developed into the Raising Readers program. Currently Raising Readers operates in 8 libraries and is intended for preschoolers and early readers. Raising Readers is held at Callander Public Library on Tuesday evenings from 6.00 till 7.00pm, during the school year. We welcome children ages two to nine and their caregivers.

The Raising Readers program consists of stories, games and songs, usually based on a particular theme. Themes are often seasonal, but may also focus on holidays or different nationalities. Each session focuses on a specific letter or combination of letters (e.g. "sh", "ch" or "th") from the alphabet. The children are then encouraged to recognize the sound of the letter(s) and how it is used in a word. Pictures and rhymes are also used to further assist children in their learning. Sound and sight recognition work best when we can incorporate them in many ways so a craft activity is also incorporated to further echo the theme of the program.

Rasing Readers Schedule January - June 2012

We have been fortunate to have Kim Mills lead the program for the past several years.

Look for our new booklet, Reading for Families, currently being distributed at your local library.

Please call the library at 752-2544 for further information.